I'm having trouble seeing enemies

[mdlp0716]

I've noticed since the begining of me playing this game i that I have a hard time spotting enemies (in campaign/single player), and they normally are able to spot me very quick, which is frustrating often times because I'll get killed and I have no idea where the enemy who killed me was. The problem is worsened at night time in game, because I didn't even notice an enemy a few meters in front of me in some foilage (who was able to spot me and kill me instantly as soon as he saw me) Is this an indicator of me having bad eye sight? or is there something i can do so i can spot enemies easier?

[† Rox †]

If you're having a hard time spotting hostiles, you could try turning on Vision Aid in the game options (Options > Game > Difficulty > Personal Awareness > Vision Aid). Taking your time and checking your surroundings is also a good idea.

You could also try putting the Reduced Damage modifier on in the settings (Options > Game > Difficulty > Simulation > Reduced Damage).

For the night scenarios, you should use optics on your weapon that has night or thermal vision.
Thermal Optics

• TWS
• TWS MG
• Nightstalker

Night Vision thingy Optics

• NVS
• Nightstalker

[Tajin]

It just takes some getting used to.

The ArmA series is very different from many other games in that regard.
In most games players/enemies stand out in some way. (players are often shaded slightly different than the environment - arma doesn't do that).


Move from cover to cover and then use that cover to scan your surroundings. You need to make sure you are harder to spot, as much as you need to be good at spotting your enemy.
Avoid running over hilltops or ridgelines. Staying on low ground will help you to blend in with the background and can get your enemies skylined.

AI will spot you quicker if you sprint a lot. Try moving at a steady pace and switch to combat walk when you're expecting enemies nearby. This will also help you conserve your stamina.

Keep in mind that you can turn your head while running forward. Zooming in (hold rmb) on suspicious areas can make spotting enemies a bit easier. Try to look for movement. (it can help to reduce post processing effects in your options. Having a crisper image sometimes makes it easier to spot small moving objects in the distance)


IR optics can certainly help in some cases but it's better if you train to work without those. You won't always have them.

[mdlp0716]

Thanks for all the advice! Is there anything I can do about enemies seeing me through thick foilage? Because sometimes it feels like if a centimeter or my arm is sticking out behind a bush or something, i get fired upon by targets 300 meters away in less than a second

[Yannick|i7]

Originally posted by mdlp0716:

Thanks for all the advice! Is there anything I can do about enemies seeing me through thick foilage? Because sometimes it feels like if a centimeter or my arm is sticking out behind a bush or something, i get fired upon by targets 300 meters away in less than a second

Reduce unneccesary movement and sneak. In best case, not straight through the field/jungle, but with cover.
Still, the AI spots you too early. It's just not that well programmed. Most annoying is a scenario like that: you're on a tower/ in a house peeking through a window or gap - before you can set up your gun, they'll turn towards you and start shooting.